Title: 시크릿 가든 | Secret Garden
Genre: Romance | Comedy | Fantasy | Melodrama
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Network: SBS
Broadcast Period: November 13, 2010 to January 16, 2011
Synopsis:
This is a story about Gil Ra Im and Kim Joo Won. Gil Ra Im is a proud and independent stuntwoman. And, although her job is difficult and not financially rewarding, she still loves what she does. While Kim Joo Won is the CEO of a high end department store. He is smart and good looking guy who met Gil Ra Im who mistakenly assumes that Gil Ra Im is the woman that could cost his cousin, Oska, a popular singer, a scandal he wants to prevent. Through the course of their meeting and events, Kim Joo Won, developed strong feelings for Kim Joo Won. Gil Ra Im initially discourages the pursuit of Kim Joo Won until in a mystical occurrence happened that they exchanged bodies. Together they have to fight for their feelings and love for each other beyond all odds.
Characters:
- Hyun Bin as Kim Joo Won
- Ha Ji Won as Gil Ra Im
- Yoon Sang Hyun as Choi Woo Young | Oska
- Kim Sa Rang as Yoon Seul
- Lee Philip as Im Jong Soo
- Lee Jong Suk as Han Tae Ssun
- Yoo In Na as Im Ah Young
- Kim Ji Sook as Moon Yeon Hong
- Park Joon Keum as Moon Boon Hong
- Kim Sung Oh as Kim Sung Wo
- Choi Yoon So as Kim Hee Won
- Kim Sung Kyum as Moon Chang Soo
- Lee Byung Joon as Park Bong Ho
- Sung Byung Sook as Park Bong Hee
- Yoon Gi Won as Choi Dong Kyu
- Yoo Seo Jin as Lee Ji Hyun
- Kim Gun as Yoo Jong Heon
- Baek Seung Hee as Park Chae Rin
- Jang Seo Won as Hwang Jung Hwan
- Kim Dong Gyoon as Director
- Kim Mi Kyung as Guest House Ahjumma
- Nam Hyun Joo as Director Nam
- Lee Tae Woo as Ra Im’s Son
- Song Yoon Ah in Cameo Role as Herself
- Lee Joon Hyuk in Cameo Role as Himself
- Beige in Cameo Role
- Baek Ji Young in Cameo Role as Herself
- Han Ye Won as Cherry
- Son Ye Jin in Cameo Role as Herself
- Kang Chan Yang
- Min Joon-Hyun in Cameo Role as Smoking Man
- Hep Tae-Hee in Cameo Role as Rude Party Guest
My Review:
This is the very first drama I watched after I stopped watching Korean dramas and movies for three years. And, I must say it made me remember why I loved and got addicted to it in the first place. Some may not like it because of certain flaws on the drama in explaining some of its fantasy elements but to me this is a drama that you watch not to define but simply to enjoy. It actually has very high ratings when it was playing in Korea and received a lot of awards and recognition. However, for me, I watched it for the pleasure of knowing who Hyun Bin is as an actor. Like the first time I saw Kwon Sang Woo in a drama, Hyun Bin made an impression to me on Secret Garden. He is simply adorable. I also like Ha Ji Won as an actress. Most of the time she portrays strong and independent woman, so, most of her dramas I truly enjoy watching. Secret Garden is a mixture of a lot of things in terms of genre but it is something you indulge for guilty pleasures. Its entire 20 episodes passes by quickly as you journey into its story.
So, What do I Like About this K-Drama?
(1) I like almost everything about this drama. I enjoy all the characters and its actors playing their roles. But, for me, Hyun Bin is a stand out in the entire drama series. This is the very first k-drama I saw him and made me a fan.
(2) I like the scene when Kim Joo Won bravely showed his love for Gil Ra Im to everybody by kissing her on a party where all his friends and family are there. It was a momentous scene and delivered brilliantly.
(3) I like the topic wherein they delve into the issues, difficulty and challenges of being a stunt man or woman in films.
(4) I love the OST of this drama. Most of the songs are truly beautiful even if I don’t understand the lyrics.
What I do Not Like About this K-Drama?
Although, this drama have flaws if you look hard enough, but, in my mind, I just enjoyed the ride. As I’ve said I don’t dwell much of the technicalities of the drama or film. I leave those to the experts. What’s important to me is that the drama entertains me without making me feel too stupid in the process. This drama does that for me whether there are some elements of it that requires more development of its delivery, it was entertaining enough that it didn’t matter to me.
Would I recommend this K-Drama? Definitely 110% Yes.
My Rating to this Drama
( See My Rating System: ) 5/5 Stars
OST:
01. That Woman (그 여자) – Baek Ji Young
Play Me:
02. That Man (너는 나의 봄이다) – Baek Ji Young
Play Me:
03. Here I Am – Shin Yong Jae of 4MEN and MIIII
Play Me:
04. Reason (이유) – Shin Yong Jae of 4MEN
Play Me:
05. You Are My Spring (너는 나의 봄이다) – Sung Si Kyung
06. Appear (나타나) – Kim Bum Soo
07. A Woman (한 여자) – Ben
08. I Can’t (못해) – MIII
09. Scar (상처만) – Bois
10. Appear (Ballad Version) {나타나 (Ballad Ver.)} – Yoari
11. You Are My Everything – Jung Ha Yoon
12. Here I Am (Piano Version) – MIII
12. Secret Garden – Various Artist
For Lyrics in English, Romanization and Hangul, CLICK HERE